Atari, Inc.

Atari, Inc.

Atari, Inc. was a pioneering company in the video game industry, founded in 1972 by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney. It played a crucial role in the development of arcade games, home video game consoles, and personal computers.

History

Founding and Early Success

Atari, Inc. was established on June 27, 1972, in Sunnyvale, California. The company was originally named Syzygy Engineering, but the name was changed to Atari, a term from the Japanese game Go, meaning "check" or "checkmate".

The company's first major success was the arcade game Pong, released in 1972. Pong was one of the first video games to achieve widespread popularity and is often credited with launching the video game industry.

Growth and Expansion

Following the success of Pong, Atari continued to develop and release a series of successful arcade games, including Breakout and Asteroids. In 1977, Atari released the Atari 2600, a home video game console that became one of the most popular gaming systems of its time.

Acquisition by Warner Communications

In 1976, Atari was acquired by Warner Communications for approximately $28 million. This acquisition provided Atari with the resources to expand its operations and marketing efforts. Under Warner's ownership, Atari became a dominant force in the video game industry.

The Video Game Crash

In the early 1980s, the video game industry experienced a significant downturn, known as the video game crash of 1983. Atari was heavily affected by this crash, leading to financial difficulties and a decline in market share.

Division and Sale

In 1984, Warner Communications divided Atari into two separate entities: Atari Corporation, which focused on home computers and consoles, and Atari Games, which continued to develop arcade games. The home division was sold to Jack Tramiel, the founder of Commodore International.

Legacy

Atari, Inc. is remembered as a pioneer in the video game industry, responsible for many innovations and iconic games. The company's influence can still be seen in modern gaming, and its legacy is celebrated by enthusiasts and historians alike.

Notable Games

• Pong (1972)
• Breakout (1976)
• Asteroids (1979)
• Centipede (1980)
• Missile Command (1980)

See Also

• Atari 2600
• Nolan Bushnell
• Video game crash of 1983

References

• Kent, Steven L. The Ultimate History of Video Games: From Pong to Pokémon and Beyond. Three Rivers Press, 2001.
• Herman, Leonard. Phoenix: The Fall & Rise of Videogames. Rolenta Press, 1997.

External Links

• Official Atari Website